Broccoli, the green treasure of our kitchen, is not only a tasty side dish, but also a powerful ally in health and beauty care. This hybrid of cauliflower and cabbage, known scientifically as Brassica oleracea var. italica, has been cultivated for over 2,000 years, with a history dating back to the Etruscans and ancient Romans.

Thanks to its high content of vitamins, minerals, and a range of beneficial phytonutrients (which are among the richest sources of antioxidants), it ranks among the healthiest vegetables in the world.

The origin of broccoli dates back to what is now Italy, where it was cultivated in ancient times. The Etruscans and Romans valued it not only for its taste but also for its health benefits. In 1533, Catherine de Medici brought it to France, from where it gradually spread to other parts of Europe and North America.

Today, it is used in all cuisines around the world – Asian, American, and Italian. Although broccoli rarely plays a leading role, it is one of the most versatile ingredients, suitable for both cold and hot dishes.

Food of the month: asparagus

Fun fact: Less well-known broccoli sprouts also have many benefits. They have similar properties to broccoli itself, but also contain significantly higher amounts of sulforaphane (an antioxidant), which helps remove toxic substances from the body.

Against periodontitis and for beautiful skin

Including broccoli in your diet has countless benefits for your health and beauty. It strengthens the immune system, supports proper heart and blood vessel function, and prevents brain damage. It is very rich in fiber and contains vitamins K, B, D, magnesium, selenium, calcium (which supports bone health), coenzyme Q10, and potassium. If you eat broccoli raw, you will also get a significant amount of vitamin C. The combination of vitamin C and calcium positively in the treatment of periodontitis and can also help prevent its development.

It also has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, lowers blood sugar and high blood pressure, and last but not least, many show that thanks to its high sulforaphane content, it can effectively help reduce the risk of oral cancer.

Fun fact: If you want to include broccoli in your diet, keep in mind that it does not go well with vinegar or other acidic ingredients, as these cause it to lose its color and become soft. It is better to mix it with spices in salads and add a dressing of oil, vinegar, or lemon just before serving.

Stay fit with broccoli

Broccoli is also very suitable for weight-loss diets thanks to its low energy value. There are less than 30 calories in 100 grams. It consists of almost 90% water, contains no fat, and has very few carbohydrates. Thanks to its high fiber content, our body digests it more slowly and we stay full longer after eating it. This prevents a sudden increase in blood sugar levels (and the subsequent uncontrollable eating of everything in sight), as is the case with quickly digestible foods such as carbohydrates, sweets, or sugary drinks.

Broccoli and apple salad

Ingredients:

1 head of broccoli

1 apple

½ red onion

1 small carrot

Sultanas

Bacon (pancetta)

Almonds or pecans (sliced or chopped)

Dressing:

Greek yogurt

Coarse-grained mustard

½ lemon

Salt and pepper

Divide the broccoli into florets and place in boiling water for a maximum of two minutes. Then remove and cool with ice water. This trick will keep the broccoli nice and crisp and preserve its typical green color. Dice the bacon, add the nuts, and fry everything in a pan until golden brown. Grate the apple and carrot, while cutting the onion and cooked broccoli into small cubes or slices. Add the fried bacon, nuts, and sultanas, drizzle with the dressing, and serve.